The Effects of Integrated Physical Education Class on Self-directed Learning Ability and Physical Education Class Attitude of Middle School Students

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of STEAM-based PE lessons on self-directed learning abilities, a core competency of the 21st century, and on attitudes towards PE classes related to physical education alienation and avoidance. To achieve this purpose, 6 classes out of 8 at J Middle School, J City, Jeollabukdo, South Korea were selected. The experimental and control groups, consisting of 87 and 88 students, respectively, were chosen from among the 238 first grade students by means of convenience sampling. The experimental group had PE classes based on STEAM for 14 weeks, whereas the control group were subjected to traditionally teacher-centered PE classes. The results of the study show that the experimental group displayed a significant difference in all the sub factors of attitude towards physical education classes and in all the sub factors of self-directed learning abilities as compared to the control group. In conclusion, PE classes based on STEAM have a positive effect on the students’ attitude towards physical education classes and self-directed learning abilities. Based on the results, it suggests that efforts to combine STEAM education and physical education are needed.